Le Havre to the Med by canal in an Oceanis 45

[lenseman]

Thanks for the replies.

I am now having a slight re think about my posted plan.

Originally I had planned to pick the 45 up in the UK and sail with a delivery skipper to the Med and as suggested, learn the ropes that way. . . . . . . pick up the "new" Oceanis 45 - the boat I eventually would like to have back here in the Whitsundays etc., once finished with the Med.

Any more thoughts worth tossing about?

Just one interesting question? After "finishing with the Med", how do you envisage returning to Oz, would it be down through the Red Sea and then across the Indian Ocean or would you pop out the Pillars of Hercules, turn left and down round Cape Agulhas?

 

[blueglass]

I am contemplating buying a new Oceanis 45 with shallow draught (1.75m) and having it delivered to Le Havre. Then traversing the French canals to the med. As a very inexperienced sailor I figure this will be a great way to get to know the boat before I actually have to contemplate sailing her.

Just be aware that on your very first leg of the journey in your new boat and little experience you first have to get into the canal system to begin with.
From Le havre this requires a fairly demanding bit of pilotage going out to sea for a mile or two and then negotiating the correct channel approach (of several) for the Seine, as opposed to back into La Havre marina, where the boat will presumably have been delivered.
This also requires careful timing to take the flood tide all the way up to Rouen, which after passing Honfleur is realistically the first place you can stop, and its a long way at 6 or 7 knots. Its not rocket science but personally wouldn't have taken it on after a couple of weekends experience followed by a maiden voyage in shiny new boat.

 

[jordanbasset]

Unless you are very lucky, you are likely to have a few teething problems with your new boat. As you are intending to take it a long way away from the place you bought it you would be advised to check on what is the situation with getting these teething/warranty issues sorted out.

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

I am contemplating buying a new Oceanis 45 with shallow draught (1.75m) and having it delivered to Le Havre. Then traversing the French canals to the med. As a very inexperienced sailor I figure this will be a great way to get to know the boat before I actually have to contemplate sailing her.

My initial concern though, is the Oceanis 45 too big to be taken down the main canals of France? Are there any other negatives I should be aware of with this size boat. Note, I would have the mast sent ahead.

The UK to the Med is a very common route with the yachts we deliver. I would not advise taking a yacht of that size through the canals and would always recommend that for any owners wanting to gain experience then employ a professional skipper and go along for the ride!

Most of my Skippers are Yacht Master Instructors and we regularly prepare tailored 'own boat tuition' to conduct whilst underway. In the two weeks it takes to sail there you will gain so much confidence and skills that you will be able to easily carry on with your adventure!

Good luck,

Pete

 

[lenseman]

The UK to the Med is a very common route with the yachts we deliver. I would not advise taking a yacht of that size through the canals and would always recommend that for any owners wanting to gain experience then employ a professional skipper and go along for the ride!

Most of my Skippers are Yacht Master Instructors and we regularly prepare tailored 'own boat tuition' to conduct whilst underway. In the two weeks it takes to sail there you will gain so much confidence and skills that you will be able to easily carry on with your adventure!

Good luck,

Pete

+1

I fully agree, but suggest three weeks, not two. Two weeks would be total 24 hour day sailing in perfect conditions.

 

[westernman]

The UK to the Med is a very common route with the yachts we deliver. I would not advise taking a yacht of that size through the canals and would always recommend that for any owners wanting to gain experience then employ a professional skipper and go along for the ride!

Most of my Skippers are Yacht Master Instructors and we regularly prepare tailored 'own boat tuition' to conduct whilst underway. In the two weeks it takes to sail there you will gain so much confidence and skills that you will be able to easily carry on with your adventure!

Good luck,

Pete

The UK to the Med in two weeks, or even in three weeks is pretty tough going and is not most peoples idea of a holiday. Also you will miss out on many interesting places to stop in and visit on the way down.

You could easily spend 6 months or more doing a cruise from the UK to the Med.

Personally, I would pay a professional to do it, and then take advantage of some relaxing cruising once the boat is in the Med. You could always opt to accompany the delivery crew on the last bit where the sun is shining, where there is no fog and no big rollers coming in from across the Atlantic.

But for a fairly common AWB, I would probably buy one already in the Med - particularly if I was looking for a yearly rental berth at the same time.

 

[moserwi]

+1

I fully agree, but suggest three weeks, not two. Two weeks would be total 24 hour day sailing in perfect conditions.

I do agree too - completly. Hey you got a 45' sailing yacht and I think she will blame you for taking her through waters she was not made for.

Ask Pete for a quotation and enjoy sailing her down to the med. But I think you should wait at least until April 2013 for acceptable temperatures.

And I dont think that time should matter. Two, three or four weeks. I depends on the weather conditions and it makes no sense to cross the biscay with expected 50+ knots. Though you should be patient.

fair winds -willi